Wondering if you can make ice cream in the air fryer, yes, you can here is my easy and foolproof recipe for Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream!

Fried Ice Cream in Bowl Made in The Air Fryer
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It offers the same delightful crunchy-creamy, indulgent goodness of your favorite deep-fried ice cream, but made in the air fryer for a simpler and healthier option (okay, it’s still ice cream, but you get the idea!)

Air Fryer Ice Cream is such a great dessert! This is a family favorite in my house, and perfect for your next get together. So, if you love deep fried ice cream, you will love this recipe!

If you love easy air fryer recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Pop-Tarts, Air Fryer Cannoli, or Air Fryer Peach Pie Egg Rolls.

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream in bowl, yummy and delish.

What Is Fried Ice Cream?

Fried ice cream is a dessert that features a scoop of ice cream that is quickly fried in a hot oil coating. The ice cream is typically coated in a crispy batter or crumb mixture, which forms a crunchy shell when fried.

This cooking method creates a delightful contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and the cold, creamy interior. Fried ice cream is often served with toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fruits. Despite its name, the ice cream itself doesn’t melt during the frying process because of the quick cooking time. This unique dessert is popular in various cuisines, especially in Mexican and Asian restaurants.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

You need four simple ingredients to put together this air fryer ice cream dessert!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

Remember the detailed instructions and step-by-step directions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Although, use any ice cream flavor!
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour, or for a gluten-free treat, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Egg Whites: Use large, room-temperature egg whites
  • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Crush the cereal; other options include graham crackers, Fruity Pebbles, or corn flakes.

How to Make Fried Ice Cream In An Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions to guide you through the steps:

Step-by-step process of coating ice cream balls with crushed cornflakes.

Step One: Prep The Ice Cream Balls Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Using an ice cream scoop, quickly form four evenly sized scoops of ice cream. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet or muffin pan. Freeze the ice cream scoops for at least 2 hours or until they are firm.

Air fryer basket with fried ice cream balls inside, golden and crispy.

Step Two: Prepare The Coating Remove from the freezer, coat the ice cream balls in flour, then freeze again for another hour.

Ingredients laid out for making fried ice cream, including ice cream and batter.

Step Three: Coat Frozen Ice Cream In Egg Whites Add egg whites to a bowl and whisk until foamy. Roll each ice cream ball in egg whites, then coat with the crushed cereal. Freeze again for 4 hours or overnight..

air fryer fried ice cream being coated in cereal.

Step Four: Air Fry Ice Cream When you’re ready to cook, please remove one of the coated balls of ice cream balls, set it on a piece of foil or parchment paper in the air fryer basket, cook at 400 degrees F, and set cook time for 2-3 minutes.

Step Five: Serving Quickly transfer the air-fried ice cream balls to serving plates, shallow bowl, or small bowl. Garnish with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate syrup, honey, or caramel sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of hot and crispy on the outside and cold and creamy on the inside.

air frying process for making fried ice cream.

How Do You Make Fried Ice Cream In Air Fryer Recipe Tips

  • Pre-Freeze the Ice Cream Scoops: Freeze them for at least 2 hours or until they are solid.
  • Work Quickly: Work quickly to prevent the ice cream from melting.
  • Use a Good Coating: The coating should adhere to the ice cream.
  • Double Coating (Optional): For an extra crispy shell, double coat the ice cream balls by dipping them in a beaten egg and rolling them in the coating mixture again before air frying.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the ice cream balls in the air fryer.
  • Serve Immediately: As soon as the Fried Ice Cream is ready, serve it immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot and cold textures.
  • Garnish Creatively: Get creative with your garnishes. Add whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a cherry on top for an attractive presentation.
  • Handle Carefully: Be gentle when removing the air-fried Fried Ice Cream from the silicone liner.
  • Freeze Leftovers: If you have leftovers, freeze them quickly to maintain the crispy texture. Reheating in the air fryer may not yield the same results.
Fried Ice Cream in Bowl Made in The Air Fryer

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of ice cream for Fried Ice Cream in the air fryer? Yes, you can use any flavor of ice cream you like for Fried Ice Cream. Choose your favorite flavor to create a unique dessert.

How do I keep the ice cream from melting in the air fryer? To prevent the ice cream from melting, it’s crucial to pre-freeze the scoops until they are very firm before coating and air frying. Leave the fried ice cream ball in the freezer until ready to cook.

Can I use gluten-free cereal for coating to make it gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free cereal to make this dessert gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the ice cream, are also gluten-free.

What is the ideal temperature for air frying Fried Ice Cream? Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) for air frying Fried Ice Cream. Adjust the temperature as needed based on your air fryer model.

Can I prepare the ice cream balls in advance and air fry them later? It’s best to prepare and air fry the ice cream balls immediately after coating. Preparing them in advance may cause the ice cream to melt and lose its shape.

How do I store any leftover Fried Ice Cream? If you have leftover Fried Ice Cream, freeze it quickly to maintain the crispy texture. Reheating in the air fryer may not yield the same results.

What are some popular toppings for Fried Ice Cream? Popular toppings for Fried Ice Cream include whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, honey, chopped nuts, and powdered sugar.

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

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Air-Fryer-Fried-Ice-Cream

Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

This Air Fryer Fried Ice Cream is a hot and cold dessert anomaly. A ball of vanilla ice cream is coated in Cinnamon Toast Crunch, then air fried until hot and crispy on the outside with the perfect cold and creamy center.
YouTube video

Ingredients 

  • 1 quart ice cream, any flavor
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 3 cups Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, crushed

Instructions

  • Scoop out 1 cup of ice cream and mold it into a ball. Make as many balls as you like, then place them in a muffin tin and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Remove from the freezer, coat the ice cream balls in flour, then freeze again for another hour.
  • Add egg whites to a bowl and whisk until foamy. Roll each ice cream ball first in egg whites, then coat with cereal. Freeze again for 4 hours or overnight.
  • When you're ready to cook, remove one of the ice cream balls, set it on a foil tray in the air fryer, then cook for 2 minutes at 400 degrees F. Serve immediately..

Equipment

  • Muffin Tin, or Muffin Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooking Spray

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 4gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 894IUCalcium: 137mgIron: 6mg

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